Life on ocean waves beckons for Halifax sailor Matthew

A 22-year-old former insurance company worker from Halifax is celebrating his transformation from a civilian into a sailor with the Royal Navy.

Trainee Communication and Information Specialist Matthew Broadhead has marched out on his passing-out parade at the Royal Navy training base HMS Raleigh in Cornwall after a 10 week course where he was given a thorough induction into the Royal Navy, learning skills that he will rely upon throughout his time in the Service.

Matthew, a former account manager at an insurance company, is a former pupil of the Colne Valley High School and by joining the Navy is following in the footsteps of his 24-year-old brother Joseph Broadhead.

Joseph is currently serving on RFA Argus deployed to Sierra Leone as part of the UK’s response to the Ebola outbreak.

Matthew said: “Patriotism has been instilled in me from an early age and serving the Queen and Country is one thing that I want to do.

“The Royal Navy’s policies and core values are attributes I believe I already possess and I was keen to help protect the nation’s interest. During training I have achieved things I never thought I would and I have learnt a lot. I feel privileged to have completed the training and become a member of the Royal Navy. My ambitions now are to serve, travel and progress in what I hope to be a prosperous career.”

With the first phase of his training complete Matthew will now transfer to HMS Collingwood in Hampshire. There he will learn how to operate highly sensitive radio and satellite systems to become a central member of the ship’s Warfare department.

Matthew’s role at sea will be to send and receive vital messages from the shore and other ships, including orders, routine supply requests and other essential day to day communications.